A humanitarian aid ship which set sail for the Gaza strip has been seized by occupying Israeli forces today. The Israeli military abducted 21 human rights workers from 11 countries including former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and Noble laureate Mairead Maguire. The passengers and crew, though traveling in international waters, were forcibly dragged toward Israel.

Members of the crew are being detained. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said Israel was planning to free the crew and passengers. Nobody wants to keep them here, he said. They will be released as soon as they are checked.